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Melrose Former City Councilor

Jennifer L. Lemmerman

Ward 2 · 1 term in this record

Jen Lemmerman

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Record at a glance · 2018–2019 Board of Aldermen / City Council

40 of 42meetings attended (95%) · whole council 94%
177votes cast by name (yes, no or abstain)
1no votes (<1% of votes cast) · whole council 1%
0 of 9split votes where Lemmerman was in the minority · whole council 22%
0abstained
1term in this record

On split votes, Lemmerman voted the same way as…

How these numbers work
  • Counted from the official minutes, for 2018–2019 Board of Aldermen / City Council only. Committee meetings and routine votes (adjourning, approving minutes) are not counted.
  • Attendance counts the meetings where the minutes list Lemmerman as present or absent at the start.
  • Only votes the minutes record member by member are counted. Voice votes and votes given only as a count (for example 6-3 with no names) are not.
  • Percentages are shown only when there are at least 10 meetings or votes to count.
  • A split vote is one where at least one member voted yes and another voted no. “In the minority” means on the side with fewer votes; ties are not counted.
  • “Whole council” combines every member’s record for the same term.

These numbers describe the record; they are not a grade. A no vote, an abstention or a minority vote is neither good nor bad. MassVoter never rates officials.

Attendance

At the start of 40 of 42 City Council meetings in 2018–2019 Board of Aldermen / City Council.

Missed

Every meeting (42)

Votes where councilors disagreed · 2018–2019 Board of Aldermen / City Council

Sep 3Add all of the related citizen correspondence to the…Motion: A motion was made to add all of the related citizen…Passed 8–3 · Lemmerman: Yes

September 3, 2019: Add all of the related citizen correspondence to the record — Amend Melrose Revised Ordinances by adding Article VI, Section 198-12: Reduction in Single Use Plastic Beverage Straws and Beverage...

ApprovePassed · 8–3

A motion was made to add all of the related citizen correspondence to the record by Alderman Wright; second by Mortimer; motion carried. Alderman MacMaster states that he is against the straw ordinance because he believes it will be counter intuitive to its purpose because legislating without education and actually foster resistance among the public. Alderman Wright reiterates that straws can be requested at any time, that this ordinance is just and opportunity to resist plastic, but he understands that people still want and need straws. It is not a ban. Alderman Forbes restates that he feels that the same thing can be accomplished without an ordinance.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Bewtra, Boisselle, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright, ZwirkoNo: Forbes, MacMaster, Medeiros

From the minutes

“RESULT: ADOPTED [8 TO 3] MOVER: Francis X. Wright Jr., Ward 3 Alderman SECONDER: Peter D. Mortimer, Ward 6 Alderman AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Scott M. Forbes, Shawn M. MacMaster, Monica C. Medeiros.” (Motion: Wright, second: Mortimer)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Sep 3Appointment of Stacy Minchello as Director of the Council…Motion: RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 1] MOVER: Monica C. Medeiros, Alderman at…Passed 10–1 · Lemmerman: Yes

September 3, 2019: Appointment of Stacy Minchello as Director of the Council Aging, effective September 16, 2019

Confirm appointmentPassed · 10–1

RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 1] MOVER: Monica C. Medeiros, Alderman at Large SECONDER: Peter D. Mortimer, Ward 6 Alderman AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Shawn M. MacMaster

Voted: Yes

Yes: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright, ZwirkoNo: MacMaster

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 1] MOVER: Monica C. Medeiros, Alderman at Large SECONDER: Peter D. Mortimer, Ward 6 Alderman AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Shawn M. MacMaster.” (Motion: Medeiros, second: Mortimer)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Aug 19Passage — AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE…Motion: Motion for passage by Mortimer; second by Bewtra With the order…Passed 8–2 · Lemmerman: Yes

August 19, 2019: Passage — AN ORDINANCE REGULATING THE REGISTRATION AND MAINTENANCE OF VACANT COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES IN THE CITY OF MELROSE

Adopt orderPassed · 8–2

Motion for passage by Mortimer; second by Bewtra With the order before him, Alderman MacMaster stated that he supported the proposal in spirit, but was leery of regulating small businesses and would rather see an incentive-based approach than a $400 fine; and therefore would not vote in support. Lipper-Garabedian noted that the term of "fee" rather than "fine" was intentional in the proposal in order to recognize the costs that vacant properties incur on the city. Lipper-Garabedian also explained that the ordinance would impact the commericial property owners, not the small business who leased from them. In fact, the intention is to support these small businesses by encouraging property owners to keep their properties fully occupied.

Voted: Yes

Yes: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Mortimer, Wright, ZwirkoNo: MacMaster, Medeiros

From the minutes

“RESULT: ADOPTED [8 TO 2] MOVER: Peter D. Mortimer, Ward 6 Alderman SECONDER: Manisha Bewtra, Alderman at Large AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, Mortimer, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Shawn M. MacMaster, Monica C. Medeiros ABSENT: John N. Tramontozzi.” (Motion: Mortimer, second: Bewtra)

Read it in the official minutes, page 7 (PDF)

Aug 1A Resolution Calling Upon the Administration to Retain an…Motion: RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 1] MOVER: Shawn M. MacMaster, Ward 5…Passed 8–1 · Lemmerman: Not recorded

August 1, 2019 (Special meeting): A Resolution Calling Upon the Administration to Retain an Environmental Specialist to Conduct an Independent Inspection of the Homes Affected by the Brazil Street Sewer Backup

ApprovePassed · 8–1

RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 1] MOVER: Shawn M. MacMaster, Ward 5 Alderman SECONDER: Scott M. Forbes, Ward 7 Alderman AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Zwirko NAYS: John N. Tramontozzi ABSENT: Jennifer L. Lemmerman, Francis X. Wright Jr.

Yes: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, ZwirkoNo: Tramontozzi

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [8 TO 1] MOVER: Shawn M. MacMaster, Ward 5 Alderman SECONDER: Scott M. Forbes, Ward 7 Alderman AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Zwirko NAYS: John N. Tramontozzi ABSENT: Jennifer L. Lemmerman, Francis X. Wright Jr..” (Motion: MacMaster, second: Forbes)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Jun 17Pass as Amended — An Order Creating an Education,…Motion: Motion to Pass as Amended - K.Lipper-Garabedian, 2nd Motion M.Zwirko Discussion…Passed 8–3 · Lemmerman: Yes

June 17, 2019: Pass as Amended — An Order Creating an Education, Public Safety & Substance Abuse Prevention Stabilization Fund

ApprovePassed · 8–3

Motion to Pass as Amended - K.Lipper-Garabedian, 2nd Motion M.Zwirko Discussion - K. Lipper-Garabedian - will red line provisions be included in the next version (yes) F.Wright opens discussion - doesn't oppose the fund, thinks the % is too high M.Zwirko thanks his colleagues for working on this over the last 2 months J. Tramontozzi doesn't believe the tax money is appropriate for this stabilization fund

Voted: Yes

Yes: Bewtra, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, ZwirkoNo: Boisselle, Tramontozzi, Wright

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED AS AMENDED [8 TO 3] TO: Board of Aldermen MOVER: Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Alderman at Large SECONDER: Michael P. Zwirko, Alderman at Large AYES: Bewtra, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Zwirko NAYS: Robert A. Boisselle, John N. Tramontozzi, Francis X. Wright Jr..” (Motion: Lipper-Garabedian, second: Zwirko)

Read it in the official minutes, page 6 (PDF)

Mar 4Petition of National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc…Motion: RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 1] TO: Board of Aldermen MOVER: Michael…Passed 10–1 · Lemmerman: Yes

March 4, 2019: Petition of National Grid and Verizon New England, Inc to relocate 3 jointly owned poles on Howard & Green Streets-- poles 176-1,177, and 208 out of the center island of…

ApprovePassed · 10–1

RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 1] TO: Board of Aldermen MOVER: Michael P. Zwirko, Alderman at Large SECONDER: Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Alderman at Large AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Monica C. Medeiros

Voted: Yes

Yes: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright, ZwirkoNo: Medeiros

From the minutes

“RESULT: PASSED [10 TO 1] TO: Board of Aldermen MOVER: Michael P. Zwirko, Alderman at Large SECONDER: Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Alderman at Large AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Monica C. Medeiros.” (Motion: Zwirko, second: Lipper-Garabedian)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Feb 19Amending Melrose Revised Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 235, Article XI,…Motion: RESULT: ADOPTED [8 TO 2] MOVER: Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Alderman at Large…Passed 8–2 · Lemmerman: Not recorded

February 19, 2019: Amending Melrose Revised Zoning Ordinance, Chapter 235, Article XI, Section 235-73.1 Affordable Housing Incentive Program

ApprovePassed · 8–2

RESULT: ADOPTED [8 TO 2] MOVER: Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Alderman at Large SECONDER: Michael P. Zwirko, Alderman at Large AYES: Bewtra, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Robert A. Boisselle, Scott M. Forbes ABSENT: Jennifer L. Lemmerman

Yes: Bewtra, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright, ZwirkoNo: Boisselle, Forbes

From the minutes

“RESULT: ADOPTED [8 TO 2] MOVER: Kate Lipper-Garabedian, Alderman at Large SECONDER: Michael P. Zwirko, Alderman at Large AYES: Bewtra, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Robert A. Boisselle, Scott M. Forbes ABSENT: Jennifer L. Lemmerman.” (Motion: Lipper-Garabedian, second: Zwirko)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Nov 19Passage as Amended — Amending Melrose Revised Ordinances, Chapter…Motion: Motion for Passage as Amended: Mover: Wright, Seconder: Lemmerman The order…Failed 6–5 · Lemmerman: Yes

November 19, 2018: Passage as Amended — Amending Melrose Revised Ordinances, Chapter 177-12: Snow and ice removal as set forth herein

Adopt orderFailed · 6–5

Motion for Passage as Amended: Mover: Wright, Seconder: Lemmerman The order was voted on as amended. The order was defeated 6 votes for -5 against. (8-vote majority is required for passage or ordinance amendment).

Voted: Yes

Yes: Bewtra, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Wright, ZwirkoNo: Boisselle, Forbes, Medeiros, Mortimer, TramontozziThe minutes say: “The order was defeated 6 votes for -5 against. (8-vote majority is required for passage or ordinance amendment).”

From the minutes

“RESULT: DEFEATED [6 TO 5] TO: Board of Aldermen MOVER: Francis X. Wright Jr., Ward 3 Alderman SECONDER: Jennifer L. Lemmerman, Ward 2 Alderman AYES: Bewtra, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Boisselle, Forbes, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi.” (Motion: Wright, second: Lemmerman)

Read it in the official minutes, page 3 (PDF)

Nov 19Order to Place General Override Question on the April…Motion: RESULT: ADOPTED [10 TO 1] MOVER: Jennifer L. Lemmerman, Ward 2…Passed 10–1 · Lemmerman: Yes

November 19, 2018: Order to Place General Override Question on the April 2, 2019 Special Election Ballot

Confirm appointmentPassed · 10–1

RESULT: ADOPTED [10 TO 1] MOVER: Jennifer L. Lemmerman, Ward 2 Alderman SECONDER: Manisha Bewtra, Alderman at Large AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Monica C. Medeiros

Voted: Yes

Yes: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright, ZwirkoNo: Medeiros

From the minutes

“RESULT: ADOPTED [10 TO 1] MOVER: Jennifer L. Lemmerman, Ward 2 Alderman SECONDER: Manisha Bewtra, Alderman at Large AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko NAYS: Monica C. Medeiros.” (Motion: Lemmerman, second: Bewtra)

Read it in the official minutes, page 4 (PDF)

Nov 13Authorization to Accept a Grant in the amount of…Motion: RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jennifer L. Lemmerman, Ward 2 Alderman SECONDER:…Passed 11–0 · Lemmerman: Not recorded

November 13, 2018: Authorization to Accept a Grant in the amount of $168,000.00 from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) through the Housing Choice Initiative; and Authorize the Mayor to...

ApprovePassed · 11–0

RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jennifer L. Lemmerman, Ward 2 Alderman SECONDER: Peter D. Mortimer, Ward 6 Alderman AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko

The roll call lists Robert A. Boisselle as voting, but the attendance table at the top of the minutes marks this member absent. Showing the count only.

From the minutes

“RESULT: ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jennifer L. Lemmerman, Ward 2 Alderman SECONDER: Peter D. Mortimer, Ward 6 Alderman AYES: Bewtra, Boisselle, Forbes, Lemmerman, Lipper-Garabedian, MacMaster, Medeiros, Mortimer, Tramontozzi, Wright Jr., Zwirko.” (Motion: Lemmerman, second: Mortimer)

Read it in the official minutes, page 2 (PDF)

Votes with no disagreement (173)

    From the Melrose City Council’s official minutes (the Board of Aldermen’s until October 2019), posted on the city’s Agendas & Minutes page (its CivicClerk portal, City Council). We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Councilor photos: City of Melrose (cityofmelrose.org), from the official City Council page. Cal Finocchiaro: Melrose Weekly News. Former councilors show initials.

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